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Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance about newly required Medicaid coverage for treatment of opioid use disorders. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based treatment that consists of the administration of medications and related behavioral therapies. The guidance reflects the Trump Administration’s ongoing commitment to combatting the nation’s opioid crisis.
The guidance issued today provides information to state Medicaid programs about a new mandatory Medicaid benefit added under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Under the new benefit, state Medicaid programs must cover all drugs and biologicals approved or licensed by the FDA to treat opioid use disorders, including methadone, along with related counseling services and behavioral therapies. The guidance provides states with information on the medications and treatment services included in the new MAT benefit and the locations where MAT can be provided. The guidance also includes information on other Medicaid authorities to help states expand their opioid use disorder service continuum, as well as other opportunities afforded by the SUPPORT Act.
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